The Warriors announced in a news release that Mieuli died of natural causes Sunday in a San Francisco Bay Area hospital.

In Memoriam

Known for his omnipresent deerstalker caps, casual attire and substantial beard, Mieuli was the principal owner of the Warriors from the time they moved to the Bay Area in 1962 until he sold them in 1986. He and 32 partners bought the team from Eddie Gottlieb for $850,000.

It took a while for the team to find a permanent playing spot. They played at the Cow Palace in Daly City, the Civic Auditorium and various other places throughout Northern California before settling in the Oakland Compseum Arena in 1971.

The team captured the 1975 NBA championship, led by Rick Barry, during Mieuli's tenure as owner. It was the only title they won during their time based in the Bay Area.

NBA commissioner David Stern said in a statement Sunday that Mieuli was "truly one of the innovators in our league.

Mieuli also once owned a small percentage of the San Francisco Giants and still had a five per cent interest in the 49ers, which he purchased in 1954.